2020.07.0304:49:00UTC+00Australia Retail Sales Rise More Than Estimated In May

Australia's retail sales increased more than estimated in May, final data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed on Friday.

Retail sales grew 16.9 percent month-on-month in May, after a 17.7 percent drop in April. Retail sales for May was revised up from 16.3 percent.

"The gradual easing of social distancing regulations, and the re-opening of physical stores, bolstered retail trade in May," said Ben James, Director of Quarterly Economy Wide Surveys, said.

Sale of clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing accelerated 129.2 percent monthly in May and cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services gained 30.3 percent.

Food retailing rose 7.2 percent and other retailing increased 9.4 percent. Housing goods sales grew 16.6 percent and department stores sales jumped 44.4 percent.